Testimonials and Reviews

We take pride in giving you a personalized education with top notch learning materials and unlimited support from pro dog trainers. Here’s what our students and mentors say about their experience.

Amy and Spike – best of friends!

Amy W., CCDT – Master Class Graduate
Toms River, NJ

“CATCH Canine Trainers Academy is wonderful. I can’t say enough good things about the curriculum, the materials or the staff. The program binder is supplemented with a vast and comprehensive library of books and videos sent directly to your home (included in the cost of your tuition). The staff is fantastic, knowledgeable, helpful and friendly. They are available by phone or email at any time during your studies. The program is self-paced, but if you need a little more structure (like I do), your Program Director can arrange that for you. My PD Kelly and I speak once a week by phone to go over my reading assignments and study questions from the program binder. I feel very comfortable with the way in which I am learning the material. And I am confident that I am well on my way to beginning my dog training career. Thank you CATCH!!!”

Laura V. – CATCH Certified Mentor Trainer
Carbondale, CO

Laura on mentoring a CATCH student:
“Working with Brandi has been a memorable experience. She seems to have learned all the information a beginning dog trainer needs. I am very impressed with the CATCH program and Brandi seems to have acquired the information and is able to apply it in a practical and humane manner. Brandi’s student dog, Ginger, was a tough choice. Ginger’s owner commented that she’s, “…a different dog.” She is even friendly with the owner’s youngest child in contrast to the relationship they had prior to Brandi’s efforts. Ginger has started to lose weight and, according to her owner, is a much happier dog. Brandi was always on time, appropriately dressed and very professional. Her observations of handler and dog behavior were spot on. She even brought some things to my attention that I might have missed. I am happy to have had the opportunity to work with Brandi and think she is going to be a great ambassador for the CATCH Academy.”

Vinny teaching one of his students a recall, starting on a long line.

Vincent O., CPDT-KA, CCDT – Master Class Graduate
Staten Island, NY

“Just figured I’d say hello and that I started phase 6. I’m up to hands-on public speaking and being a leader. I’ve already practiced a 5 -10 minute lecture on socializing. I’m really enjoying phase 6 as I think it will help me in being a better teacher. Again I would like to say I am really enjoying your course, it is a life changer and I feel the confidence growing after each phase. LOVE IT sums it up 🙂

Thank You CATCH team.”

Pia and David cheering on a graduate at the CATCH Professional Dog Training Skills workshop.

Pia Silvani, CPDT-KA, CCBC – Asheville, NC

“Another fabulous five-day workshop with David Muriello. His CATCH program has proven to be extremely popular. If you are looking to become a trainer, want to increase your skill sets, preparing for your CPDT exam and much more, go to catchdogtrainers.com. They have developed something unique. I highly recommend it!”

Maria with her super adorable student dog, Emma.

Maria N. – Master Class Student
Langhorne, PA

“I’m currently in Phase 4 of the CATCH Master Class and am thoroughly enjoying the program. In just a few short months, my ability to observe and interpret canine behavior has vastly improved, I’ve acquired a deeper understanding of how dogs learn, and I’m communicating with them more efficiently. This has been invaluable to me as a shelter volunteer because understanding canine body language and behavior opens the lines of communication between you and any dog. This helps to reduce stress and establish trust.

The CATCH curriculum is comprehensive, well-structured, and grounded in the most current teachings of reward-based training, animal behavior, and learning theory. The binder materials are supplemented with books and videos by respected leaders in the field, and each phase contains hands-on activities to put your knowledge into practice. The Master Class also provides you with an experienced mentor trainer in your area with whom you’ll work one-on-one to hone your training skills.

The CATCH staff are truly invested in every student’s success and are readily available via phone and email. Kelly, my Program Director, regularly checks on my progress and spends as much time with me as needed to review course materials and answer questions. She has the enviable ability to distill learning theories into layman’s terms. She also makes learning fun, and I’m grateful for her wealth of knowledge and endless encouragement.

Another reason I chose CATCH is because its program complies with state standards for integrity, financial stability, and educational quality. This was important to me because currently the dog training industry is not sufficiently regulated. Of great concern is the lack of a law prohibiting just anyone from claiming to be a dog trainer. And some can do harm despite good intentions. As a CATCH student, I know I’m receiving a quality education from a reputable academy where my certification will set me apart from the competition.

With every phase, my knowledge, skills, and confidence grow, and I look forward to working through the remainder of the program. I know it will best prepare me for a successful dog (and people!) training career, and I strongly recommend CATCH to any aspiring dog trainer.”

A photo op with Jill with her student dog, Bentley!

Jill H. – Basics Pro Student
Springhill, FL

“I am a professional dog groomer, and after 31 years of dog grooming, I started classes at the CATCH Canine Trainers Academy. After just the first three phases I have been able to utilize these positive training methods with the dogs coming into the grooming salon. This has made my dog grooming much easier with frightened, young, or very old dogs that have fears of being groomed or basically left by their owners in a strange place. These methods that I now use regularly have the dogs more comfortable, happy and relaxed, some of them don’t even want to leave!

I’ve learned that talking to the dogs in “their language” is amazingly effective, making for a greater and calmer experience while being at a strange place with loud noises. The fear and stress in these dogs have lessened dramatically, and I expect that eventually will be eliminated entirely over time and constant practice. I would encourage these basic lessons to be taught to all dog groomers in the industry, for a safer, calmer outcome to be utilized in the dog grooming industry.”

Carolyn, Desmond, and Oda Mae

Carolyn M., CCDT – Master Class Graduate

Whittier, CA

“I could not be happier with my decision to join CATCH. I chose this school because from the very first phone call they took the time to get to know me, my interests in becoming a dog trainer, my family, and my dogs. They have NEVER given me a student ID number. Every time I email or call on the phone they know me by my name. As staff and as my mentors they are encouraging, motivating, completely knowledgeable, helpful and always available for anything I need, If I call they answer and I’ve talked on the phone with my program directer for an hour chatting and getting all the answers and advise I need to be the most knowledgeable and informed. At no point did I feel I was taking up too much of their time. They are genuinely there for their students and completely invested in our success. Anytime I email I usually get a phone call or and email reply within the hour if not sooner. They are AMAZING.
The curriculum is equally outstanding, I was trained as a dog trainer through PetSmart and now learning everything CATCH has put into their curriculum I am shocked at how much I did not know. I truly do not think there could be a better at home learning program than the one CATCH has created.
I am in Phase 7 (out of 10) doing the Master program. In each phase there are book written by the world’s best authority on dog training, animal behavior and learning theory. There are study guide questions for each section of reading assignments. There are also hands on activities to give you extra real life practice. Once you complete a phase your program director emails you your test. It is made up of the study guide questions so there are no surprises and no trick questions. If you do the program with the Mentor package you are assigned to an experienced dog trainer in your area. For the first part you have to shadow the mentor for either 5 private sessions or 6 group classes. This is invaluable if you are becoming a dog trainer because there is so much more you can learn from seeing done hands-on and being able to practice and ask questions. Later the mentor evaluates you on your own training skills.
Again I literally do not have one bad comment or even a criticism for anything about CATCH, I kind of wish I did so that I didn’t look so one sided but they just haven’t given me anything to complain about. This school is amazing and I would recommend it to anyone wanting to become a trainer or even just learn more about dogs. It is WELL worth the money if you have any interest at all.”

The CATCH curriculum gained me the knowledge to apply myself as a competitive, certified, professional dog trainer/behavior specialist with a business sense to succeed.

Their flawless curriculum, student support staff and one on one teaching and coaching of Marcela, set me on this amazing path of owning my business and living my dream of making a difference in the lives of dogs and their humans.

You too can CATCH your dreams!

Reach out and sign up with the absolute best academy for learning all things positive in dog training and behavior!

CATCH Canine Trainers Academy is without a doubt……Top Dog!”

Raffaele, Max, and Nala enjoying a well-deserved day out!

Raffaele C., CCDT – Master Class Graduate
Lorton, VA

“I started with CATCH a little over a month ago and it has been great so far! I just finished Phase 1 and I learned so much! The staff at CATCH are extremely knowledgeable and responsive. When I was first considering CATCH among the other schools, I talked to Rebecca who helped make my decision so easy! I gave her some tough questions to answer and she had great answers and from that point on I was sold. It really was because of her of why I chose to go with CATCH and not ABC. She even set me up on a call with the Founder of the Academy, David! That call was so great and inspirational. You can really tell that they all know their stuff! After I joined I was assigned my mentor Kelly! Kelly has been nothing but helpful. She has already helped me out with a few things and I know I will be needing her help more as I progress through the phases. It’s great to have someone to bounce business ideas off of and to answer any question I possibly have. I am very confident that CATCH is going to prepare me to open my own Dog Training business and I am so glad that I found them! I would definitely recommend any aspiring dog trainer to choose CATCH over the other programs out there. If you are looking for a dedicated staff, modern techniques, and ample resources then this is the program to choose!”

Emilee D. – How to Speak Dog Graduate

Washburn, IL

Emilee and Her Handsome Golden, Bruin

I just finished up phase two of their program and I’m sooooo in love with it!
There are so many great things to say about CATCH, here are just a few of my favorite things.

1. Number one is definitely the staff. Everyone at CATCH is so sweet! I love that your’e not just another student there. They know me by name, and they are always there to help. It’s so nice just to be able to pick up the phone or shoot and email even if my questions are about my dog and not school related. My dog is a joyful pain so it happens frequently. 😉

2. I have lots of health issues so it’s been amazing to have something that is entirely self paced! No due dates or deadlines!

3. The hands on activities and videos are so helpful. I’m a very visual person, so I love being able to watch or do what I’m learning.

I totally recommend CATCH, I’ve never been happier with a program!!

Leah R. – CATCH Certified Mentor Trainer
Orlando, FL

“I am looking forward to continuing work with my student, Lindsay!

I’m impressed with her level of education. She knows the science behind what she’s doing, and is familiar with all the “icons” of the industry. Good job, CATCH. :)”

Student Quote

David’s way of encouraging me has made me a stronger trainer, but also a stronger communicator, and listener. I appreciate all the skills that he taught and brought out in me.

Erica Lieberman, CPDT-KSA, CDBCHead Trainer - Pawsibilities New York

My experience with David really helped me become more confident as a professional dog trainer. He taught me how to work with people and listen to their issues. He taught me how to think critically about the way I was coaching my clients and helping them achieve their goals.

Ferdie Yau, CDPT-KAOwner of Sits n Wiggles Training

David was a wonderful teacher who led by example and gave specific, helpful and challenging feedback. I learned valuable techniques for training a variety of behaviors.

Sarah Walker, CPDT-KAOwner of Side-by-Side Dog Training

Learning more about how dogs think leads to a lot of positive changes in how you interact with them. Dogs are so special and I’m excited to help people better understand them so that more can live long lives with loving families.

Hollie E.Master Class Student

Wow. What a difference this course is making in my training. I actually see my dog and I communicating better with all the little things like sound and body language. It’s so cool, I am loving this!

Vincent O., CCDTNow a Master Class Graduate

I am having so much fun learning. The way the course is laid out really helps us absorb the important details.

Vinny O., CCDTNow a Master Class Graduate

I got everything yesterday and have already begun! I did the reading for the first section of Phase 1 and the practice questions! Thanks so much, I am so enjoying it already!!! 🙂

Kate D., CCDTNow a Master Class Graduate

We loved seeing the educational training videos shot live, watching David work magic in a matter of moments with two of our shelter dogs. All positive training! Highly recommend as in 5 stars!

Gisella M.Zani's Furry Friends Rescue

With every other school I spoke to I felt like it was more about getting my money and not finding out why training is so important to me. Speaking with David and Rebecca I felt like I was speaking to a friend who was trying to help me accomplish my goals and it never once felt like a sales call.

Amanda P.Master Class Student

It’s not just the basics in dog training with CATCH. It’s a more in depth curriculum. I wanted a school to help me with “why dogs have fear aggression” and “why they suffer from separation anxiety”. Studying here, I will be able to answer those questions.

Amanda P.Master Class Student

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